Keweenaw Lower Entry Light

Other Names: Portage Entry Light, Portage Lake Lower Entrance Light, Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light, Portage River Lower Entrance Light

White City, Michigan, USA

Lake Superior

Keweenaw Lower Entry Light, constructed in 1920, is located at the eastern entrance to the Keweenaw Ship Canal. This 22 mile long canal is a shortcut that eliminates the need to sail around the entire Keweenaw Peninsula. The canal, also known as the Keweenaw Waterway or Portage River, offers the only safe refuge on Lake Superior for 225 miles, from Ashland, Wisconsin to Marquette, Michigan.

The first lighthouse in this location was built onshore in 1856. It was succeeded by a wooden pierhead light constructed in 1900. The present 31-foot high light was automated in the early 1970s. The keeper's dwelling and outbuildings were sold in 1982.

This light station once featured a diesel-powered fog signal, as well. The diesel engine was located on shore, and compressed air to operate the foghorn was piped the length of the pier to the fog signal. Added equipment includes a radio beacon and automated fog detection equipment.

This lighthouse is at the entrance to the Portage Ship Canal, on the east pier. Construction materials: brick and reinforced concrete on a crib foundation. Shape: white octagonal tower, 31' high.

Keweenaw Lower Entrance Light has a Fourth Order Fresnel lens installed. Height of focal plane: 68 feet. The light source is an electric bulb equipped with a four-bulb automatic changer. An electric fog horn is mounted on side of tower, and a radio beacon is also present.

This light is currently operational as an active aid to navigation, under the management of the U.S. Coast Guard.

SW View – Quarters (Wide)

SW View – Quarters (Close)

History

Thanks to the Keweenaw County Historical Society for the information in the 'History' section above. This information was originally published in their booklet '10 Lights — The Lighthouses of the Keweenaw Peninsula.